Environment Ministry defies Council of State over building code perks

The Environment Ministry has introduced an amendment designed to override a ruling by the country's highest administrative court regarding a controversial provision in the New Building Code (NOK) allowing developers to add extra height to buildings in exchange for meeting certain eco-friendly standards. 

The ministry's late-night amendment submitted two days ago stipulates that building permits foreseeing the NOK "bonus" that were issued before the publication of the Council of State's ruling cannot be revoked.  

The initiative directly contradicts the court's decision, which ordered the revocation of permits that had not been implemented by December 11. Critics say it underscores the ministry's disregard for the nation's highest administrative court and its prioritization of protecting developers, despite exposing them to legal risks. 

The amendment, included...